MAME v0.197 is released. MAME stands for Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator. When used in conjunction with images of the original arcade game's ROM and disk data, MAME attempts to reproduce that game as faithfully as possible on a more modern general-purpose computer. MAME can currently emulate several thousand different classic arcade video games from the late 1970s through the modern era.

-bionicc: Started hooking up microcontroller emulation – still relies on hacks. [David Haywood]

-guab: Added RS232 port and update notes. [Dirk Best]

-Rewrote adc0808 device so it actually works and added to a number of drivers. [Dirk Best]
* Added to galastrm, groundfx, jedi, lockon, opwolf3, othunder, superchs, taito_z, tceptor, undrfire, and wheelfir.

-DSP16 interpreter performance improvements: [Vas Crabb]
* Lifted some tests out of the execution loops allowing them to be specialised at compile time.
* Bypass memory system for work RAM access when debugger is not enabled.

-PC-98 CD software list updates: [r09]
* Updated with everything from the latest update of the Neo Kobe Collection.
* Tested all software list entries, and added supported status and emulation issues for each one.
* Added usage information for games that require serial numbers or manual protection.
* Added disk 2 of the floppy version of Brandish Renewal, since it’s used as a key disk for the CD version.
* Fixed copy-paste error for hybrid discs copied from the FM Towns list.
* Replaced the Sweet Days CHD with a properly converted one.
* Demoted Miamisoft’s games to non-working since they seem to hang randomly.